Doniar Mason. Photo courtesy of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale.
Doniar Mason is a student with great aspirations. He became involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale‘s Lehi Branch knowing it could help open doors to his future.
Doniar, who is a sophomore at Westwood High School, is particularly interested in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters mentorship program, where he proudly mentors another club member. Mason hopes to use the skills and lessons learned to help others and inspire them to be better individuals, just as he was inspired by the Club. He plans on attending college where he will study aeronautical engineering and one day hopes to fly to space.
Doniar has been honored as a Youth of the Year, a distinction giving to only one member per branch per year. He will represent his branch – and possibly be named the Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale — at the Celebrate Youth Gala & Auction on Saturday, March 31, at Talking Stick Resort.
More than 30 kids compete for the honor of being named Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. Nine finalists are selected.
The gala is the Club’s premier fundraising event. Individual tickets are $125. The black tie event begins with a hosted bar at 5:30pm, followed by dinner, a live auction and the Youth of the Year Ceremony.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale provide youth development services that instill strong core values and life-enhancing skills in a safe environment. The programs help promote healthy lifestyles, good character and academic success. For more information, visit bgcs.org.
Doniar’s speech
Although I have been a member of the Lehi Branch for less than a year, I have noticed the effects this club has had on youth like me. The Club provides a safe haven for youth who are experiencing rough and challenging times and who are struggling to find a balance between home and school. My Club gives me an opportunity to better myself in not only my educational needs, but to also know what other kids my age are struggling with on a day-to-day basis. I come to this club not only for the fact that it provides me with the prospect of a college scholarship but also because it could aid me in future career pursuits.
People from past civilizations have to look back to what their societies were founded upon in order to progress forward. Like canyons once made by rushing waters, the staff at Lehi do just the same by taking time out of their day to help, to be there for any emotional support; overall, making the club a safe haven. I have seen myself not only as a product of this experience, but through the Club’s guidance, as the one who has been able to help others.
I am a Big Brother to my Little Brother, Isaiah, in my Club’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program. It turns out in only a few months, I have made an impact on him. Of course it didn’t show in one day, but as we went along, I know what I mean to him and will always make an effort because what he expects of me is how I feel about the club staff. Like the club staff, I help out in ways I can to make new members feel as welcome and become as engrossed in the Club as I am. I receive everything that this Club gives me and thrive on it to help me in everything I do from a team to the classroom. In a way, how I see Club staff, is the image I would like to portray. Who are you? Thank you.
Tomorrow: Youth of the Year finalist Colleen Campbell.
